RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

World Sight Foundation Field Machine (WSFFM) Pilot

This study is looking at a new eye test machine, the World Sight Foundation Field Machine (WSFFM), for people with glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss, and in many places, doctors don't have the right tools to find it early. The WSFFM is designed to help doctors outside big cities, particularly in lower-income countries, identify moderate to severe vision loss in glaucoma patients sooner. This could lead to more timely treatment and help prevent further vision loss. We are comparing it to the standard machine currently used in hospitals (the Humphrey Visual Field analyser) to understand how well the new machine works. This initial study will help us decide if it should be tested more widely in places that need it most.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

29 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Glaucoma

What is this study about?

This study is about testing a new piece of equipment called the World Sight Foundation Field Machine, or WSFFM for short. We want to see how well it works to help doctors find and manage glaucoma, especially in areas where hospitals might not have access to very advanced eye scanning devices. Glaucoma is an eye condition that can slowly steal your sight, and once vision is lost, it can't be brought back. So, it's really important to find it early and treat it.

Currently, outside of big cities in many lower-income countries, doctors don't have the tools to check for glaucoma early enough. This means people might only find out they have glaucoma when their vision loss is already very advanced. The WSFFM is a simpler, more portable machine that could help doctors in these areas make better decisions about when someone with glaucoma needs treatment or further checks.

In this pilot study, we are comparing the new WSFFM to a standard machine called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) analyser. The HVF is the usual machine used in hospitals like ours and is excellent at finding early vision changes. We don't expect the new WSFFM to be exactly the same or even better than the HVF for all purposes, but we want to understand how good it is at a specific task: spotting moderate to severe vision loss in glaucoma patients. This information is a vital first step to see if the WSFFM could be a useful tool to help prevent blindness from glaucoma in more parts of the world.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new portable eye machine (WSFFM) for glaucoma patients.
It aims to help doctors detect moderate to severe vision loss, especially in areas with fewer eye care resources.
Participation involves using both the new machine and a standard hospital machine during your regular clinic visit.
There are no extra appointments or medications required.
The main goal is to improve glaucoma care globally, not necessarily your individual treatment in this moment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over and visiting our eye clinic for glaucoma. Importantly, your doctor must have already decided that you need a visual field test called "SITA-STANDARD HVF" during your visit. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

You won't be able to join if you don't need a visual field test during your clinic visit that day, or if you're scheduled for a different type of HVF test like "SITA-FAST" or "SITA-FASTER." Also, if you don't attend your appointment or if you have difficulty with eye tests due to very poor sight, physical difficulties, or trouble understanding instructions, you won't be able to take part.

This study is open to both men and women.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I 18 years old or older?
Am I attending the glaucoma outpatient clinic today?
Has my doctor told me I need a "SITA-STANDARD HVF" visual field test today?
Can I understand information about the study and provide my consent?
Do I feel comfortable enough to complete a visual field test?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will happen on the same day as your usual eye clinic appointment. There are no extra visits or follow-up appointments after this day. You won't need to take any new medication for this study.

After your normal checks at the clinic, you'll be taken to a separate room. Here, we'll explain the study in detail, answer any questions you have, and if you're happy to proceed, you'll sign a consent form. Then, we'll test one of your eyes (chosen at random) using both the new WSFFM and the standard Humphrey Visual Field machine, one after the other. The order in which we use the machines will also be chosen randomly. This whole process will be fitted into your existing clinic visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer a small personal benefit as you'll receive a detailed visual field assessment from two different machines, which could provide more information to your doctor. However, the main benefit is to help future patients, especially those in lower-income countries, by potentially providing doctors with a new tool to diagnose and manage glaucoma more effectively. There are no significant risks beyond what you would experience during a standard visual field test, which involves looking into a machine. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Aylesbury, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can damage your optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. This can lead to vision loss, often starting with your side vision.

What is a 'visual field' test?

A visual field test checks your full range of vision, including your side (peripheral) vision. It helps doctors find blind spots or areas where your vision might be reduced due to conditions like glaucoma.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you will not have to pay anything to take part in this study. All tests related to the study will be covered.

What is the difference between the WSFFM and the HVF analyser?

The WSFFM is a newer, potentially simpler machine designed to identify more advanced vision loss, while the HVF analyser is the standard machine in hospitals excellent for detecting even early changes.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and study data will be handled confidentially and securely, following strict privacy rules.

How to find out more

James Cooper

james.cooper9@nhs.net 07816020305 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.